Ductless mini-splits are a type of air conditioning system that doesn’t require ducts to distribute cool air. These systems have been growing in popularity in recent years because they are energy efficient. Let’s talk about what they are and how they compare to other types of air conditioner systems. We will also look at the benefits of using ductless heating and cooling systems and how they can save you money on your utility bills.
How Do Mini-Split Systems Work?
Ductless mini-split systems work by pumping refrigerant from the outdoor unit through a small unit mounted on the wall or ceiling. This refrigerant is then used to cool the air inside your home. Because there are no ducts required, they are much more energy-efficient than traditional central forced air systems. In fact, mini-splits can save you up to 30% on your energy bills compared to central air cooling systems.
Outdoor Unit
The outdoor unit contains the outdoor compressor, refrigerant tubing, suction tubing, condensate drain line, and the outdoor condenser. The compressor is responsible for pumping the refrigerant through the system. The condenser is responsible for cooling the air circulated through your home. An outdoor unit is placed strategically outside your home and takes up very little space.
Indoor Air Handling Unit
The indoor air handlers contain the evaporator and fan. The evaporator is responsible for cooling the air inside your home. The fan blows the conditioned air into the individual rooms. You can have multiple indoor units with your single outdoor unit so that each room can be set to a comfortable temperature.
What are the Benefits of Using Ductless Mini-Split Systems?
Mini-splits offer a number of benefits, including:
- They are energy efficient and can save you money on your energy bills. Mini-split indoor units can be placed in each room. With these indoor air handling units, you can set customized temperatures for each room. For example, you can lower the temperature in rooms you don’t use as often to save energy.
- A mini-split heating and cooling system is easy to install and doesn’t require significant renovations, unlike most central air systems. A traditional air conditioner requires ductwork and registers. Most ductless mini-split air systems require only one day for installation, depending on how many indoor units you need to install.
- They provide individualized climate control for each room in your home with the indoor unit. You can set one more to be warmer than others even while away. Turn one area off when you’re not using a particular room and save energy.
- The indoor unit is quiet and unobtrusive. You can place the indoor unit of the mini-split on the wall, ceiling, or it can be floor mounted. Most central air systems can be loud and take up lots of space.
Where Can I Install the Indoor Units?
Ductless mini-splits can be installed in a variety of locations, including:
- Garages
- Sheds
- Apartments
- Any size home
Why Not Just Install a Window Unit or Portable AC?
While ductless mini-split air conditioners are more energy-efficient than window units and portable ACs, they can also be more expensive to install. However, the long-term savings on your energy bills will make ductless systems a wise investment. Window units and portable AC/heaters take up valuable space and can be noisy.
What is the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio?
The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) measures how much cooling a ductless mini-split can provide per dollar spent on electricity. The higher the SEER rating, the more efficient the ductless mini-split. Most ductless mini-splits have a SEER rating above 20. In comparison, the rating of traditional HVAC systems ranges from 13 to 15.
Is a Ductless Mini-Split Energy-Efficient?
The short answer is, yes! If you’ve been looking for a heating and cooling system that is excellent at saving energy, consider a ductless mini-split compared to central systems. There’s no installing distribution ductwork which saves your system energy and can heat and cool directly to each individual room. Individualize the temperature in each room and save energy by setting the temperature lower in rooms you don’t use.
